Tuesday Tips #42: The Pros of Antioxidants

By now you've probably heard of antioxidants and their beneficial role in fighting free radical damage in our bodies, which has been linked to many diseases as well as aging. In case you've ever wondered who figured all that out, the answer is Dr. Denham Harman. He proposed the free radical theory of aging in 1955 (click here to read an interview with Dr. Harman by Richard A. Passwater, Ph.D).

There are many supplements on the market today that act as antioxidants, not to mention some foods that are natural sources, such as blueberries and green tea. The following five supplements are "highly important and can be considered safe and effective choices for a supplement anti-aging regime," as told to me in an interview with Jeff Brucker, marketing manager and product developer in the dietary supplement and nutraceutical industry for such companies as Rexall Sundown, NBTY and CytoSport.

Consult your doctor before starting any type of supplementation.

Aging Backwards Antioxidant Supplements:

1) Coenzyme Q-10. Commonly called CoQ10, it's a vitamin-like substance also known as ubiquinone, present in most red blood cells and responsible for the body's own production of energy. CoQ10 helps to convert good energy into energy in the cellular mitochondria. Organs such as the liver and heart, which require the most energy, have the highest concentrations of CoQ10. In most cases, 100 - 200 mg per day of CoQ10 supplementation is plenty for a healthy individual.

2) Alpha-Lipoic Acid. Also called ALA, alpha-lipoic acid is present in meats, spinach, broccoli and potatoes. Its primary function is to produce glutathione, which is responsible for dissolving toxins in the liver. ALA also neutralizes free radicals in our body resulting from tobacco smoke, car exhaust, deep-fried foods and alcohol, to name a few. In addition to supplement form, ALA is also found in some cosmetic creams as an antioxidant to prevent wrinkles. I have NOT tried this product, but Wrinkle Raiders Cream from Puritan Products is an affordable cream containing ALA. According to Brucker, the common daily dose for supplementation is 100 - 400 mg.

3) L-Carnosine. This is highly concentrated in skeletal muscles, heart muscle and brain tissue. According to reports, carnosine has the remarkable ability to rejuvenate cells approaching the end of their life-cycle. As an antioxidant, carnosine effectively helps to neutralize the most destructive free radicals. Optimal dosage for healthy individuals is 500 mg per day.

4) Omega-3 (EPA and DHA). Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are polyunsaturated "good" fats found in the oil of cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna. Omega-3 EFAs help maintain good cholesterol and blood pressure levels and strong heartbeat. While Omega-3s are important to the body's overall good health, they can't be made by the body and must be acquired through diet or supplementation. They may also help enhance skin, hair and mood. My favorite fish oil is Omega Cure. It's super fresh - doesn't taste or smell like fish. It's delicious. In fact, when I first got it, I doubted it was fish oil and wondered if I had been "swindled." I accidentally spilled a tiny bit on my kitchen rug and half-heartedly wiped it up. Two days later, my entire kitchen reeked of fish and that's when I realized that Omega-Cure is real! The company recommends two teaspoons per day.

5) D-Ribose. Ribose is a type of sugar normally made in the body from glucose and provides every cell in the body with energy. According to Brucker, it's one of the more popular supplements among serious athletes who take it to increase stamina and endurance and help them to recover from workouts more quickly. The theory is that ribose helps by supplying cells in the muscle tissue with a continuous supply of energy. Brucker recommends Corvalen from Bioenergy, Inc.

So, if you are interested in supplementation, these five antioxidants may help keep you Aging Backwards!